8 Natural Remedies to Help You Quit Smoking

Oats

Oats are high in fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, potassium, and folate. Eating oats can help lower levels of bad cholesterol and keep arteries clear, which helps to lower risk of heart disease. Also, an extract derived from green oats can ease withdrawal symptoms and help decrease cigarette cravings in chain-smokers.

Cayenne Pepper

Among many other things, cayenne pepper is an excellent remedy to help quell the cravings for a cigarette. It desensitizes the respiratory system to tobacco and chemical irritants, thereby thwarting the cravings for cigarettes. Ensure to take the spice daily; add a couple of pinches to your glass of water to really benefit from its effects.

Ginseng

It has been shown to prevent the nicotine-induced release of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Of course, dopamine is what makes people feel better after smoking which is part of the nicotine-addiction process. A teaspoon of ginseng powder added to your breakfast cereal or morning health shake should help alleviate the number of cravings.

St. John’s Wort

Primarily used to treat depression, there is some research that this medicinal herb helps people quit smoking. In one pilot study, 24 people who smoked 1 or more cigarettes a day received St. John’s wort (450 mg capsule 2 times a day) plus smoking cessation counseling. After 12 weeks, 37.5% or 9 out of 24 people had quit.

Herbal Cigarettes

Herbal cigarettes can replace regular cigarettes and help break the addiction. People can substitute herbal cigarettes to meet their psychological need for a smoke without compromising their health. These are made of herbs like mint, cinnamon, clover, cornsilk, licorice or lemongrass. They also have some carcinogens so they should only be used as a short-term aide!

Lobelia

This herb has been promoted to help people fight the effects of nicotine withdrawal and is found in many anti-smoking products. The active ingredient in lobelia, lobeline, is thought to have similar actions on the body as nicotine. Further research has shown that lobeline may increase levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain similar to cigarettes.

Hyssop

It has the ability to help with clearing mucus congestion in the lungs associated with COPD. It has also been known to alleviate the anxiety and even hysteria that is sometimes associated with smoking withdrawal.

Valerian

It is one of the premier sedative herbs used to aid people with anxiety, stress, and insomnia. Valerian also acts as a muscle relaxant. It is clearly one of the herbs of choice in smoking cessation to deal with the issues of insomnia, restlessness, and anxiety.

Repairing the Damage

Once you have successfully broken free of the addiction, it is essential to repair the damage that has been caused by smoking. Regardless of what you may hear, the damage is reversible through proper diet, exercise, meditation, and adequate sleep. Never let this leave your mind, as we all have the power to overcome. Consult your physician for diet and other ways to repair the damage.